FEARS that youngsters are putting their lives at risk by sniffing aerosols have been sparked after empty cans were found in an underpass.

On Sunday morning County councillor Mike Priestley found two discarded cans of household aerosols in the underpass leading from Ferry Farm Road in Llandudno Junction to the recreation ground on the opposite side of Glan y Mor Road.

“I was alerted by a member of the public who contacted me to say I should take a look at the underpass.

“There were between 30 and 40 beer and alcohol bottles including three Vodka bottles, but what concerned me most was finding the two empty aerosols.

“I have no direct evidence that anyone has been sniffing aerosols but I’m very worried this might be going on as it can be even more dangerous to youngsters than alcohol,” he said.

In 2004 a 16 year old Colwyn Bay girl died after becoming overcome by fumes when sniffing a household aerosol for the first time.

And at her inquest her father said: "No parent should have to go through the loss of a child, especially over something so stupid.”

And Cllr Priestley stressed he was very worried that youngsters in the Junction could be indulging in the practice.

“Perhaps they’re not aware that it can be fatal and can lead to long term health problems.

“If they’re drinking alcohol at the same time as sniffing solvents than that could be a deadly cocktail.

“I’m highlighting this because I want parents to be aware of the dangers and to keep a check on where there children are and what they’re doing,” he said.

The charity Re-Solv works closely with substance misuse action teams and school liaison officers in North Wales to highlight the dangers of sniffing solvents.

Their statistics show that nationally the problem is increasing.

Deaths associated with solvent abuse went up from 51 in 2006 to 58 in 2007, the most recent year on record. There have been 18 deaths from it in Wales since 2002.

They say abusing solvents starts earlier than other drug or alcohol use with even children of primary school age at risk of getting involved.

“We are a pro-active charity trying to educate people about the dangers. This type of abuse is starting earlier and earlier and we need to make people aware how deadly it can be,” said Wales based worker Trish Leighton.

If you think your child may be at risk from solvents you can contact the Re-Solv national information line on 01785 810762.